Heavenly Spring Skiing: Visions of 2013

Just got back from a week in South Tahoe for some spring skiing. And while most everyone down here in the Bay Area kept telling me the snow would be lousy, everyone up there had a smile on their face.

Spring skiing is a specialized skill, requiring years of experimentation and experience in snow consistency. That, and a tolerance for strange conditions.

The seasoned spring skier knows that high temperatures during the day mean the snow will be reduced to a slushy constitution by early afternoon, getting goopier as the day grows longer. On the flipside, that means the goop will freeze into ice overnight, creating a layer of — shall we say “firmness?” — that can make early-morning riding treacherous.

The result is every lazy skier’s dream: Don’t get up on the mountain until about 10 a.m. Enjoy perfect conditions from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Hit the lodge for an afternoon beer and get back to the hot tub early.

I can say that formula worked for me and the family beautifully this week. Get there late, leave early and you still get a tan!

Here are some pictures from beautiful South Tahoe in spring. This is why they called the place Heavenly.

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The views from Heavenly on this April, 2013 day were heavenly. (Al Saracevic/SF Chronicle)

The views from Heavenly on this April, 2013 day were heavenly. (Al Saracevic/SF Chronicle)

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More sweep than you can shake a broom at. Heavenly, April 2013. (Al Saracevic/SF Chronicle)

More sweep than you can shake a broom at. Heavenly, April 2013. (Al Saracevic/SF Chronicle)

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You need to pay attention to the signs at Heavenly. You can end up in a different state. (Al Saracevic/SF Chronicle)

You need to pay attention to the signs at Heavenly. You can end up in a different state. (Al Saracevic/SF Chronicle)

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Heavenly, April 2013. (Al Saracevic/SF Chronicle)

Heavenly, April 2013. (Al Saracevic/SF Chronicle)

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Not very crowded on Heavenly's big cruisers. (Al Saracevic/SF Chronicle)

Not very crowded on Heavenly's big cruisers. (Al Saracevic/SF Chronicle)

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Heavenly views, April 2013. (Al Saracevic/SF Chronicle)

Heavenly views, April 2013. (Al Saracevic/SF Chronicle)

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Making tracks on an early spring morning at Heavenly, April 2013. (Al Saracevic/SF Chronicle)

Making tracks on an early spring morning at Heavenly, April 2013. (Al Saracevic/SF Chronicle)

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The Big Dipper lift at Heavenly has a map attached to the safety bar. It can be useful at the massive resort. (Al Saracevic/SF Chronicle)

The Big Dipper lift at Heavenly has a map attached to the safety bar. It can be useful at the massive resort. (Al Saracevic/SF Chronicle)

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Little Dipper Bowl at Heavenly looking good from the air. April 2013. (Al Saracevic/SF Chronicle)

Little Dipper Bowl at Heavenly looking good from the air. April 2013. (Al Saracevic/SF Chronicle)

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This is where it's at in the spring. Lounging around in the sun and the snow at Heavenly, April 2013. (Al Saracevic/SF Chronicle)

This is where it's at in the spring. Lounging around in the sun and the snow at Heavenly, April 2013. (Al Saracevic/SF Chronicle)